- विज्ञापन -
Jalandhar: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Jalandhar Rural Police have dismantled an interstate poppy husk smuggling racket operating between Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Acting on specific intelligence, a team from Phillaur Police Station intercepted a truck carrying 01 quintal and 44 kilograms of crushed poppy husk concealed beneath sacks of onions and garlic during a naka operation near Lasara village.
The arrested smugglers have been identified as Buta Singh and Kulwant Singh, both residents of Sant Nagar, Phillaur. The truck used for transporting the contraband, bearing registration number PB-08-BR-9311, has been impounded.
Speaking about the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh stated that the operation was conducted under the leadership of Inspector Sanjeev Kapoor, SHO Phillaur, and supervised by DSP Phillaur Sarwan Singh Ball, PPS, and SP Investigation Jasroop Kaur Bath, IPS.
During the naka, police thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered eight sacks of poppy husk cleverly hidden under layers of vegetables to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a well-organized drug syndicate transporting poppy husk from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab for distribution.
The police have also identified two key accomplices in the racket—Bir Singh alias Ghona and Surjit Singh alias Jita—who are currently absconding. These individuals are believed to have played critical roles in coordinating the logistics and operations of the smuggling network. Raids are underway to apprehend them and gather further evidence on the syndicate.
Both arrested accused have prior criminal records. Buta Singh has been involved in theft cases, while Kulwant Singh has multiple NDPS Act cases against him. Investigators suspect that this racket has been operational for several years, smuggling poppy husk into Punjab and selling it at exorbitant rates in villages and towns across the state.
SSP Khakh described the seizure as a major blow to the interstate drug trade. “This operation has disrupted a significant supply chain that was bringing drugs into Punjab. Punjab Police is steadfast in its commitment to dismantling such networks and ensuring a drug-free state,” he said.
An FIR has been registered under Sections 15, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act at Phillaur Police Station.
The arrested accused will be presented in court, and the police will seek their remand to investigate further and trace the forward and backward linkages of the syndicate.
Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, SSP Khakh reiterated that the police will continue to take strict action against all individuals involved in drug-related crimes.
Investigations are ongoing, and additional arrests are expected as the police intensify efforts to dismantle the network and bring all perpetrators to justice.
